Defense mechanisms are coping techniques that prevent us from connecting our sense of identity with unwanted desires, beliefs, or actions. They also help us avoid confronting our perceived weaknesses.
First developed by Sigmund Freud and the work of his daughter Anna Freud, defense mechanisms have recently be categorized into four levels (pathological, immature, neurotic and mature)by George Eman Vaillant. Below you will find some of these mechanisms organized into three more general groupings.
Your task- research and prepare a short (1-3 min) presentation/lesson to teach about your assigned defense mechanism
First developed by Sigmund Freud and the work of his daughter Anna Freud, defense mechanisms have recently be categorized into four levels (pathological, immature, neurotic and mature)by George Eman Vaillant. Below you will find some of these mechanisms organized into three more general groupings.
Your task- research and prepare a short (1-3 min) presentation/lesson to teach about your assigned defense mechanism
Primitive Defense Mechanisms
1. Denial - refusal to accept reality
Beatriz, Teah
2. Regression - reversion to an earlier stage of development in the face of high stress
Owen, Naiara
3. Acting Out -performing a extreme behaviors
Rachel, Tainary
4. Dissociation- “disconnecting ” from the real world for a time
Sabrina, Max
5. Compartmentalization- parts of oneself are separated from awareness of other
6. Projection – attributing one’s own thoughts and emotions onto others.
Maddie, Helen
7. Reaction Formation -converting of unwanted thoughts, feelings or impulses into their opposites.
Rayne
Less Primitive, More Mature Defense Mechanisms
8. Repression -unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts, feelings and impulses.
Tenzin
9. Displacement - redirecting of thoughts feelings and impulses directed at one person onto another person or object.
Kelley
10. Intellectualization – overemphasis on thinking when confronted with an unacceptable situation/behavior/impulse
Nick
11. Rationalization- offering a different explanation for one’s perceptions or behaviors.
Anthony, Jai
12. Undoing – trying to counter unacceptable behaviors and thoughts with overly positive behaviors and actions
Hayaynie
Mature Defense Mechanisms
13. Sublimation- channeling negative thoughts and impulses into positive ones.
Ricky
14. Compensation – building up strengths to make weaknesses less impactful.
Jocelyn, Amani
15. Assertiveness – being appropriately forward in expressing one’s thoughts and needs.
John